Wetlands are defined as areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater and support wetland plant species. Wetlands are important because they help maintain water quality, reduce flooding and erosion, provide fish and wildlife habitat, and are an integral part of our community's natural landscape.

Your neighborhood pond may be classified as a wetland. To find out, look at the Water Body Designations map, or call City Natural Resources staff at 952-895-4550.

The City has established ordinances to protect wetlands, summarized here:

Without a permit, alteration of a wetland is prohibited. This includes activities such as construction, filling, draining, dredging, and removal of native vegetation.

Dumping in wetlands is not allowed. This includes leaves, grass clippings, rock, sand, soil, and any other material. [Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act]

Buffer strips must be maintained along all wetlands based upon the classifications listed in the table below. Buffer strips are areas of undisturbed groundcover along a wetland, which may not be mowed, cut, or fertilized. Buffer strips are important because they filter sediment, chemicals, and other pollutants.

Wetland Classification

Permanent Buffer Strip Average Width (feet)

Minimum Permanent Buffer Zone Width (feet)

Percent Native Vegetation

Protection

50

30

Entire

Improvement

35

25

Entire

Management

25

20

Majority

Management 2

20

20

Majority

LAKE SHORELINE PROTECTION

Ordinance 10-8-10: Shoreland Overlay District
The Shoreland Overlay District ordinances apply to these lakes: Alimagnet, Black Dog, Crystal, Earley, Horseshoe, Keller, Twin, and Wood. The ordinances regarding shorelands are complicated and not easily summarized. Please read the entire ordinance (Title 10, Chapter 8, subchapter 10) within the City Code to make sure you are in compliance.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Removal or treatment of aquatic plants such as duckweed and cattails is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). If the DNR defines your pond or lake as a Public Water, you will need to apply for a permit if you want to remove or treat aquatic plants. A definition of Public Waters is available on the DNR website. Also, be a good neighbor and talk to your pond neighbors before proceeding with any pond treatments.

Feeding of ducks and geese is prohibited. [Ordinance 6-2-30]

To protect water quality, lawn fertilizer may not be deposited on impervious surfaces, such as driveways, sidewalks, and roadways. In addition, lawn fertilizer may not be applied within 20 feet of the edge of any wetland, pond, or lake. [Ordinance 7-9-3]